4. In how many ways does general government occur?

D. Into how many kinds is general government divided? M. Into two: for either it is maintained by successive generation or by permanent condition. By successive generation, as human beings or cattle, and the rest which, perishing by death or disease, are renewed by the similarity of those born anew. But by permanent condition, as those things which, not subject to such natural effects, obey cosmic motions, like heaven, the sun, stars, or the rest.

[2] D. What is another difference in these? M. That those things which are preserved by renewal need also certain remedies, food and rain, sometimes even the services of angels, and the other similar things. But those things which subsist not through successive generation, without some such mediation are divinely governed. But whether among them, too, anything is done through the service of angels is a separate and difficult question.